bricks and mortar

British  

noun

1. 1. a building or buildings

      he invested in bricks and mortar rather than stocks and shares

   2. ( as modifier )

      a bricks-and-mortar fortune

2. 1. a physical business premises rather than an internet presence

   2. ( as modifier )

      bricks-and-mortar firms

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bricks and mortar Idioms  

1. Basic and essential, as in Matthew Arnold's essay (1865): “Margate, that bricks-and-mortar image of British Protestantism.” This phrase transfers essential building materials to other fundamental matters. It also may be used more literally to denote a building or buildings (whether or not made of bricks and mortar), as in The alumni prefer to see their donations in the form of bricks and mortar. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bricks and mortar

“I love that place beyond all good sense. It’s not just bricks and mortar to me.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

It’s not just about bricks and mortar and shelter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025

Controversial online fast-fashion seller Shein will open its first bricks and mortar store in the world in Paris next week, its new landlord announced Friday.

From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2025

Their new homes are metal containers, rather than bricks and mortar.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2025

Dimly, Jonah wondered how the builder had done that, how the flimsy metal mailbox wasn’t crushed by the heavy bricks and mortar.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix